Hyundai said that it was making a full-size sedan to compete with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series in the Korean market.

A very limited number, badged as the Centennial, were made available for some western European markets in the early and mid-2000s.

So, most of these engines used normal unleaded gasoline fuel and then had significant performance issues, resulting in complaints from drivers.

[13] The US model was announced in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,[14] and was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show.

[15] Early US model includes the same 4.6L V8 engine as the Genesis except with 10 hp (7 kW) more than the current version.

It was also the first Hyundai with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) collision avoidance system that manages electronic stability control, the electronic parking brake, radar smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.

[18][19] The limousine model has an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille, as well as features such as a power-driven footrest, rear-seat leg support and a massage system.

[20] Hyundai also developed an armoured vehicle based on the limousine, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine.

[21] In September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service to be used as the official state car.

Hyundai designed this vehicle with a special alloy, with an automatic cooling system in case of fire as well as bulletproof windows.

[23] A modified Hyundai Equus was donated to Costa Rica and is currently used as the presidential car.

[24] For North America, the updated Equus will debut as a 2012 model year with the 5.0L V8 engine rated 429 hp (320 kW) and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m).

[25] Updates included new 19-inch alloy wheels, front fascia and grille design, side mirrors, tail lamp graphics, standard LED fog lamps, instrumental panel and center stack, center console and shift lever design, steering wheel control layout with vehicle settings, genuine wood trim selections, rear seat center console controls, ride tuning, sport mode, front suspension bushings, standard Assurance Connected Care & Blue Link, 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display (Signature), 12.3-inch fully digital TFT LCD cluster display (Ultimate), larger 9.2-inch upper center stack LCD display, climate control system offers three distinct cabin temperature zones, standard smart cruise control with stop/start (from 0 mph), proximity smart key with both key fob and card-key types, dual 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment monitors, power door closure, power lumbar for rear outboard seats, standard Assurance Connected Care (3-year complimentary services), standard Rear Cross-traffic Alert, standard Blind Spot Detection (BSD), heads-up display, vehicle multi-view camera system.

[27] In 2013, a shipment of 61 2014 Hyundai Equus sedans carried by South Korean freighter Morning Spruce destined for the United States was adrift for days after the ship had lost engine power in Pacific Ocean.

It is a concept vehicle customized by Rhys Millen Racing, based on Equus with 4.6 Tau engine.

It included bolt-on RMR Signature Edition air intake and stainless exhaust, increased engine power by 30 hp, RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

[31] On 17 December 2012, an armoured Equus Limousine was delivered to Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York, U.S.[32] A limited (3 units) version of 2013 Hyundai Equus limousine was built in collaboration with French fashion label Hermès.